November 05, 2014

A Slice of New York at Mamma Mia Pizzeria

For a true by-the-slice New York style pizza experience, Mamma Mia Pizzeria is a neighborhood gem. I don’t know how many times I’ve walked into a pizza joint hoping to get something reminiscent of the pizza you can get in New York only to leave disappointed.

Apparently, most restaurants’ idea of a New York style slice is a limp, flavorless crust topped with rubbery and overly greasy cheese, mounted on in an abundant manner to hide the less-than-stellar sauce. In fact, New York style pizza is an art. A true slice should be the perfect harmony of simple ingredients that create a satisfying bite. Crunchy, greasy, gooey, hot, salty, and sweet. The crust should be able to hold parallel to the table without the cheese and toppings sliding off, with a slight bend of the tip practically waving to greet you. That means two things. The crust should be somewhat crunchy and the cheese should be applied sparingly. This is a case where more is not better, since you want to taste all the ingredients for what they are worth. If one thing is overpowering the other, then something is wrong. The sauce should be tomato-ey with a balanced sweetness and acidity and the barest hint of herbs. Yes, it is complicated. That is also why most places in Miami fail when it comes to making a proper slice.

Luckily for us, Mamma Mia Pizzeria does the style justice, being one of the only joints in Miami where I have encountered a slice that would deem satisfactory to even most New-York locals. The pizza follows all the characteristics above, satisfying a craving that only a person that has actually had pizza in New York can feel. If you plan on adding toppings, I would do so sparingly, sticking to one or two at the most. After that, the pizza starts to get too heavy and loses the characteristic of being able to sit upright without it drooping.

I am skeptical to believe the notion that the water in the city is what makes the pizza superior to everywhere else. Instead, I feel as if it is simple attention to detail. Mamma Mia truly pays attention to detail, making sure that it uses the finest ingredients and proper technique to execute on every level that it should. I am fortunate to have this gem within walking distance to my home, satisfying my constant need for truly delectable pizza.